Apparatus for Reorienting and/or Stacking Products

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for reorienting and/or stacking products includes a frame and a telescopic infeed associated with the frame. The telescopic infeed has a receiving end and a transfer end. The transfer end is disposed at a first elevation and moveable in a machine direction and in a reverse machine direction. The telescopic infeed advances one or more products in the machine direction; and a landing surface receives the one or more products. The landing surface is disposed in a landing region proximate to the transfer end and at a second elevation. The first elevation is higher than the second elevation. A deflector is operatively engageable with the transfer end, such that the deflector is capable of deflecting a leading end of at least one of the one of more products.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of reorientingand/or stacking products, more specifically the invention relates toapparatuses and methods for reorienting and/or stacking fibrousstructures such as rolled and/or packaged fibrous structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Manufacturers of packaged goods utilize various techniques and types ofequipment for preparing products for packaging, bundling and shipping.Often products need to be reoriented (e.g., upended) when entering orduring these operations. Likewise, stacking operations are oftennecessary to provide the desired number and configuration of products.Known orienting and stacking equipment and processes have limitationsthat inhibit reliability and efficiency. For instance, many times,different product orientations have different degrees of difficulty,require different process steps and/or have different failure modes. Forinstance, reorienting a product into a less stable orientation (e.g.,from lying on its widest side to lying on a narrower side) is generallymore difficult than reorienting a product into a more stable position.Consequently, when manufacturers desire to upend to a less stableorientation, additional process steps or equipment may be necessary toensure the product lands at the desired orientation and remains in saidorientation during subsequent conveyance or other processing. Whilethese additional steps assist with reliability, they can undermineefficiency and add no value when the change in orientation does notwarrant the additional steps.

Moreover, known processes typically require upending processes to occurseparately and on different equipment from stacking processes. As aresult, products have to be moved from one process to the other,involving additional equipment and time and thereby underminingefficiency and reliability, and utilizing a significant amount of floorspace.

Therefore, there is a need for equipment and/or a method that permitreorientation and/or stacking of products in a reliable and efficientmanner. Further, there is a need for equipment and/or a method thatreduces the amount of process steps and/or equipment componentsnecessary for reorientation and/or stacking process. Further still,there is a need for a streamlined, simpler apparatus and/or process thatreduces the amount of space, capital costs, and maintenance required forstacking and/or reorienting transformations. Likewise, there is a needfor an apparatus that can combine stacking and reorientation operationssuch that one or both operations can be performed at a given time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, an apparatus for reorienting and/or stacking productsincludes a frame, a telescopic infeed associated with the frame, and alanding surface. The telescopic infeed has a receiving end and transferend. The transfer end is disposed at a first elevation and is moveablein a machine direction and in a reverse machine direction. Thetelescopic infeed is capable of advancing one or more products in themachine direction. The landing surface can receive the one or moreproducts. The landing surface is disposed in a landing region proximateto the transfer end and at a second elevation, wherein the firstelevation is higher than the second elevation. The apparatus furtherincludes a deflector operatively engageable with the transfer end, suchthat the deflector is capable of deflecting a leading end of at leastone of the one of more products.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for reorienting and/or stackingincludes a frame, an infeed associated with the frame, and a shiftablelanding surface. The infeed is capable of advancing one or more productsin a machine direction and has a receiving end and a transfer end. Thetransfer end is disposed at a first elevation. The shiftable landingsurface can receive the one or more products and is disposed in alanding region proximate to the transfer end and at a second elevation.The shiftable landing surface includes a securing mechanism. The firstelevation is higher than the second elevation, and the shiftable landingsurface is capable of shifting to receive a first product at a firstposition and a second product at a second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to onenonlimiting embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to anothernonlimiting embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3C are schematic representations of infeeds in accordance withvarious nonlimiting embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an infeed in accordance with onenonlimiting embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the infeed of FIG. 4 in a retractedposition;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a telescopic infeed inaccordance with one nonlimiting embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic representations of a telescopic infeed inaccordance with nonlimiting embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic representations of portions of anapparatus in accordance with nonlimiting embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of portions of an apparatus inaccordance with yet another nonlimiting embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic representations of portions of anapparatus in accordance with nonlimiting embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic representations of portions of anapparatus in accordance with nonlimiting embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 12A-12C are schematic representations of securing mechanisms inaccordance with nonlimiting embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 13A-13D are schematic representations of the progression ofproducts in accordance with one nonlimiting embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 14A-14C are schematic representations of the progression ofproducts in accordance with another nonlimiting embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIGS. 15A-15E are schematic representations of the progression ofproducts in accordance with yet another nonlimiting embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

“Telescopic infeed” as used herein means that the infeed has a variablelength, wherein one or more ends of the infeed is moveable in adirection substantially parallel to the direction of product flow (i.e.,the machine direction). The telescopic infeed may be automated and/orprogrammable. In one nonlimiting example, a telescopic infeed is atelescopic conveyor.

“Indexing” or “index” as used herein with respect to movement means acomponent makes discrete movements between discrete positions. By way ofnonlimiting example, an indexing component may move for a distance thenpause or slow down before increasing in speed and moving to anotherposition.

“Above”, “over”, “higher”, “below”, “under” and “lower” and similarwords and phrases relating to orientation as used herein to describeembodiments are to be construed relative to the normal orientation,where articles expressed as being above, over, higher and the like arelocated elevationally closer to the sky than the items to which they arebeing compared. Similarly, articles expressed as being below, beneath orunder and the like are located elevationally further from the sky thantheir respective comparators.

“Fibrous structure” as used herein means a structure that comprises oneor more fibrous elements. In one example, a fibrous structure accordingto the present invention means an association of fibrous elements thattogether form a structure capable of performing a function. Nonlimitingexamples of fibrous structures of the present invention include paper(such as a sanitary tissue product) and fabrics (including woven,knitted, and non-woven).

“Sanitary tissue product” as used herein means a soft, relatively lowdensity fibrous structure useful as a wiping implement for post-urinaryand post-bowel movement cleaning (toilet tissue), forotorhinolaryngological discharges (facial tissue), multi-functionalabsorbent and cleaning uses (paper towels) and wipes, such as wet anddry wipes. The sanitary tissue product may be convolutedly wound uponitself about a core or without a core to form a sanitary tissue productroll or the sanitary tissue product may be in the form of discretesheets. The sanitary tissue product can be single-ply or multi-ply.

“Machine Direction” or “MD” as used herein means the direction of theflow of a product through the product making machine and/ormanufacturing equipment (such as reorientation or stacking equipment).

“Cross Machine Direction” or “CD” means the direction perpendicular tothe machine direction.

“Reverse Machine Direction” or “RMD” means the direction parallel to andopposite of the machine direction.

Overview

FIG. 1 depicts an apparatus 10 for reorienting and/or stacking accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. In general, the apparatus 10may include an infeed 12 on which one or more products 14 are advancedin a machine direction. The infeed 12 comprises a receiving end 16 whereproducts 14 enter the infeed 12, a transfer end 18 where products 14exit the infeed 12, and an infeed surface 17 on which the products 14are advanced from the receiving end 16 to the transfer end 18. In onenonlimiting example, the infeed 12 comprises a conveyor 13 having aconveying belt 15 such that the one or more products 14 are conveyed inthe machine direction. In another nonlimiting example, the infeedsurface 17 does not convey and/or is static. In one embodiment, theinfeed 12 comprises a telescopic infeed 20.

The products 14 can be advanced in the machine direction. In anembodiment, a product 14 is advanced at an advance rate. A layer pusher22 may be used to advance the product 14 on the infeed 12. In anembodiment, a conveyor 13 is used to advance the products 14. In afurther embodiment, a layer pusher 22 is used in conjunction with aconveyor 13 to advance the products 14.

The products 14 can be advanced beyond the transfer end 18 and then canland in a landing region 24 proximate to the transfer end 18. Thetransfer end 18 can be disposed at a first elevation 26. A landingsurface 34 in the landing region 24 may be disposed at a secondelevation 28, which in one nonlimiting example is lower than the firstelevation 26. In one nonlimiting example, a product 14 is advanced in afirst orientation 30 and lands in a second orientation 32 that isdifferent than the first orientation 30. In a further embodiment, thetransfer end 18 of a telescopic infeed 20 retracts at a nominal retractrate, while the products 14 are advanced beyond the transfer end 18. Insuch way, multiple products 14 may be disposed in a single layer 33 inthe landing region 24. In an alternative embodiment, the transfer end 18is static while the products 14 are advanced beyond the transfer end 18.

As shown in FIG. 2, the landing surface 34 may comprise a shiftablelanding surface 36 that moves such that multiple products 14 may bedisposed in a single layer 33 on the surface 36. The landing surface 34may comprise a securing mechanism 38 to help secure a product 14 to thelanding surface 34. In a further embodiment, a lift 40 may be disposedin the landing region 24 and be coterminous with or operativelyengageable with the landing surface 34. The lift 40 may be moveable todifferent elevations. In this way, as discussed below, the lift 40 maybe used to form a stack of products 14. The apparatus 10 may furthercomprise an ejector 42 disposed in or proximate to the landing region24. The ejector 42 may be used to eject a product 14 from the landingsurface 34 or landing region 24.

Apparatus

The apparatus 10 may further comprise a frame 44. The frame 44 may beone unitary component or multiple associated pieces. The frame 44 may becomprised of any material(s) suitable for holding, mounting, attachingor otherwise associating the various parts described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3C, the infeed 12 may be associated with theframe 44. The infeed 12 comprises a receiving end 16 where one or moreproducts 14 enter the infeed 12. The infeed 12 further comprises atransfer end 18 where the one or more products 14 exit the infeed 12 andan infeed surface 17 upon which products 14 may be advanced from thereceiving end 16 to the transfer end 18 in a machine direction. Thereceiving end 16 and the transfer end 18 may be disposed at the sameelevation 26 (e.g., FIG. 3A) or at different elevations (e.g., FIG. 3B).The majority of the infeed surface 17 may be macroscopically planar(e.g., FIG. 3A) or macroscopically non-planar (e.g., FIG. 3C). Thetransfer end 18 may further comprise a nose 19 which may comprise aradius of curvature, R_(c) (as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). In someembodiments, the infeed 12 comprises a conveyor 13 having a conveyingbelt 15 which may wrap around the nose 19 and a form at least a part ofthe infeed surface 17.

The receiving end 16 of the infeed 12 has a receiving end operatingplane 160 as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 depicts the transfer end18 in an extended position 20 a (with the surface 17—e.g., a conveyingbelt 15—removed for illustrative purposes), while FIG. 5 shows thetransfer end 18 in a retracted position 20 b (with the surface 17—e.g.,a conveyor belt 15—removed for illustrative purposes). The receiving endoperating plane 160 is the plane intersecting the majority of the infeedsurface 17 at the receiving end 16. The transfer end 18 comprises atransfer end operating plane 180, which is the plane intersecting themajority of the infeed surface 17 that the product 14 contacts at thetransfer end 18 just before leaving the infeed 12. While the surface 17is not illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the respective planes 160, 180 areschematically shown where they would intersect the surface 17. Further,although FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a telescopic infeed 20, the operatingplanes 160, 180 are present regardless of whether the infeed 12 istelescoping or not.

In an embodiment, the infeed 12 may comprise a telescopic infeed 20wherein the transfer end 18 can extend and retract as shown, forexample, in FIGS. 4 and 5. In an embodiment, the transfer end 18 isextendable in the machine direction and retractable in the reversemachine direction as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 4 and 5. The extendedposition 20 a may comprise an originating position 200 a where thetransfer end 18 is disposed when a layer 33 of products is started inthe landing region 24. The retracted position 20 b may comprise aterminating position 200 b where the transfer end 18 is disposed whenthe layer 33 is completed in the landing region 24. The extension and/orretraction may be accomplished by any means known in the art. In onenonlimiting example, the telescopic infeed 20 comprises mating plates210 that are slideably associated to permit extension and retraction asshown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In embodiments where the infeed 12 comprises aconveyor 13, the slack in the conveying belt 15 that occurs duringretraction of the transfer end 18 may be directed to a moveable shaft220 (shown in FIG. 6) that moves in conjunction with the transfer end 18to compensate for the changes in length caused by extending andretracting the transfer end 18. In another nonlimiting example shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, the transfer end 18 may comprise a series ofoverlapping sections 230 that are associated such that in a retractedposition 20 b, the overlapping sections 230 overlap more than theyoverlap in an extended position 20 a.

In one embodiment, the transfer end 18 may extend at a nominal extensionrate and/or retract at a nominal retract rate. In one nonlimitingexample, the nominal retract rate may be from about 50 ft/min to about300 ft/min, or from about 100 ft/min to about 250 ft/min, or about 160ft/min, reciting for each range every 10 ft/min therebetween. In onenonlimiting example, the transfer end 18 is retracted at a substantiallyconstant retract rate, which remains substantially constant during theduration of the retraction (i.e., the nominal retract rate issubstantially constant and used throughout the duration of theretraction). In another nonlimiting example, the transfer end 18retracts at a variable retract rate, which changes during the durationof the retraction. In such nonlimiting example, the variations in theretract rate may average out to the nominal retract rate over theduration of the retraction. Similarly, the transfer end 18 may extend inthe machine direction at a constant rate equal to the nominal extensionrate or at a variable rate which averages out to the nominal extensionrate. During the operation, the extension rates (constant or variable)may be the same as or different from the rates of retraction (constantor variable).

In an embodiment, the transfer end 18 may be moved according to amovement profile in which the direction, distances and/or rates ofmotion at various points during the operation are predetermined. In onenonlimiting example, the movement profile may comprise indexing thetransfer end 18. In one nonlimiting example, indexing the transfer end18 comprises pausing the transfer end 18 when a product 14 is advancedbeyond the transfer end 18 (i.e., pausing in close temporal proximity orat the exact time as the product 14 loses contact with the transfer end18). In another nonlimiting example, the movement profile comprisesextending the transfer end 18 in the MD at one or more points duringoperation, such that the transfer end 18 may contact one or moreproducts 14 to help orient the products 14 and/or reposition theproducts 14 (e.g., close the distance between products 14) while orafter the products 14 are advanced over the transfer end 18. Themovement profile may comprise any combination of workable rates. Wherethe movement profile comprises varying rates, each varying rate mayaverage out (over the duration of the operation) to the respectivenominal rate.

In another embodiment, the transfer end 18 does not retract or extend.Regardless of the movement or the lack of movement of the transfer end18, one or more products 14 are advanced on the infeed 12 in the machinedirection.

Turning to FIG. 8A, products 14 may enter the infeed 12 at the receivingend 16. The products 14 may comprise any shape suitable for advancementon the infeed 12 and reorienting and/or stacking. In one nonlimitingexample, a product 14 comprises a generally parallelepiped structuresuch as a package used for sanitary tissue products 46. The package 14may contain a plurality of sanitary tissue products 46 (e.g., a stack oftissues) or a plurality of rolled sanitary tissue products 48. In afurther embodiment, the products 14 may comprise a cylindrical shape,such as a single rolled product 48. In still a further embodiment, theone or more products 14 may comprise a combination of different shapesand/or sizes. Alternatively, the products 14 may comprise substantiallythe same shape and/or size. A product 14 may comprise two or more sides50 which may include a leading end 52, a trailing end 54 substantiallyopposite the leading end 52 and a face 56 extending between the leadingend 52 and the trailing end 54.

In an embodiment, a product 14 is disposed on the receiving end 16 in afirst orientation 30. The first orientation 30 may comprise the leadingend 52 being disposed more proximate to the transfer end 18, thetrailing end 54 being disposed away from the transfer end 18 and theface 56 being disposed on the infeed surface 17 as shown in FIG. 8A. Inone nonlimiting example, the face 56 (or a tangent line running throughthe face 56) is substantially parallel to the receiving end operatingplane 160. After being advanced over the transfer end 18, the product 14may land in the landing region 24 in a second orientation 32 asillustrated in FIG. 8B. The second orientation 32 is different from thefirst orientation 30. In one nonlimiting example, the second orientation32 may comprise the leading end 52 or the trailing end 54 being disposedon the landing surface 34. The landing surface 34 may have a primarylanding plane 340, which is the plane intersecting the majority of thelanding surface 34. In one nonlimiting example, the leading end 52and/or trailing end 54 may be substantially parallel to the primarylanding plane 340. As an additional nonlimiting example, in the firstorientation 30, a leading end 52 may be substantially perpendicular tothe receiving end operating plane 160; and in the second orientation 32,said leading end 52 may be substantially parallel to a primary landingplane 340.

In other words, in the first orientation 30, the product 14 may beadvanced on its face 56 and, in the second orientation 32, the product14 may land on its leading end 52 or trailing end 54. In one nonlimitingexample, the first orientation 30 is perpendicular to the secondorientation 32. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, two products 14 a, 14 b maycomprise different first orientations 30 a, 30 b (i.e., product 14 a'sleading end is structurally equivalent to product 14 b's face) but therelationship between their respective first orientations 30 a, 30 b andtheir respective second orientations 32 a, 32 b may be the same. In analternative embodiment, one or more products 14 may be disposed on thereceiving end 16 in a first orientation 30 and land in the landingregion 24 in the same, first orientation 30 as shown in FIG. 9. In thissense, the apparatus 10 may be used for stacking (discussed more below)without reorienting (e.g., upending) the products 14.

In one embodiment (shown for example in FIG. 10A), a first product 14 aand second product 14 b are disposed on the infeed 12 such that thetrailing end 54 a of the first product 14 a is proximate to the leadingend 52 b of the second product 14 b. In such way, the first and secondproducts 14 a, 14 b form a line 60 on the infeed 12. In one nonlimitingexample, the products 14 a, 14 b are substantially the same length. Inanother nonlimiting example, the products 14 a, 14 b comprise differentlengths.

Returning to FIG. 1, the product(s) 14 may be advanced in the machinedirection. In one embodiment, the infeed 12 comprises a conveyor 13 andthe conveyance of the products 14 by the conveyor 13 constitutesadvancing the products 14. In another embodiment, the apparatus 10includes a layer pusher 22 to advance one or more products 14. A layerpusher 22 may be used in conjunction with a conveyor 13 or without aconveyor 13. In one nonlimiting example, the layer pusher 22 may move ata rate or advance a product 14 at a rate that exceeds the rate ofconveyance. Further, the layer pusher 22 may be associated with theframe 44. In one nonlimiting example, the layer pusher 22 is slideablyassociated with the frame 44. In another nonlimiting example, the layerpusher 22 is associated with the frame 44 through an arm 21 that isattached to the frame 44 as shown in FIG. 1. In yet another nonlimitingexample, the layer pusher 22 is associated with the infeed 12 and/oranother portion of the apparatus 10. In still another nonlimitingexample, the layer pusher 22 is operatively engageable with the infeed12 such that the layer pusher 22 may contact one or more products 14disposed on the infeed 12. The layer pusher 22 may advance the products14 through a pushing, pulling, grabbing and lifting motion, acombination of such motions, or any other movement that would aid inmoving a product 14 from the receiving end 16 to the transfer end 18 orotherwise aid in advancing the product 14 in the machine direction. Thelayer pusher 22 may contact a product 14 on the leading end 52, trailingend 54 and/or face 56. The layer pusher 22 may be returned to anoriginating position 23 after advancing one or more products 14. Themovement of the layer pusher 22 may be achieved by any suitable means.

The products 14 may be advanced at a nominal advance rate. In anembodiment, the layer pusher 22 advances the product 14 at the nominaladvance rate. The nominal advance rate may comprise a substantiallyconstant rate throughout the duration of the advancement of the product14. Alternatively, the nominal advance rate may comprise a variableadvance rate, wherein (over the duration of the operation) the ratevariations average out to the nominal advance rate. In one embodiment,the advance rate may coordinate with the nominal retract rate. In thisway, the layer pusher 22 may reliably advance products 14 over thetransfer end 18 just as the transfer end 18 retracts and, in onenonlimiting example, the coordination allows for products 14 to land ata predetermined pitch distance, D_(preset), apart as shown in FIG. 10B.In another nonlimiting example, where multiple products 14 a, 14 b areadvanced, the retract and advance rates may coordinate mathematicallyaccording to the following formula:

$\frac{R_{RET}}{R_{ADV}} = {D_{preset}/\left( {D_{layer} - D_{preset}} \right)}$

where:

-   -   R_(RET) is the nominal retract rate of the transfer end 18;    -   R_(ADV) is the nominal advance rate;    -   D_(preset) is the predetermined pitch distance between products        14 a, 14 b in the landing region 24; and    -   D_(layer) is the pitch between the products 14 a, 14 b on the        infeed 12, and where D_(layer) is greater than D_(preset).        The rates may coordinate through any other algorithm suitable        for the operation of the present invention.

In another nonlimiting example, the nominal advance rate is 100 ft/minto about 500 ft/min, or about 150 ft/min to about 300 ft/min or about220 ft/min, reciting for each range every 10 ft/min intervaltherebetween. In one nonlimiting example, the movement profile includesa variable retract rate and a variable advance rate. The variableadvance rate may vary proportionally with and/or at the same intervalsas the variable retract rate. The variations in the variable retractrate may average out to the nominal retract rate over the duration ofthe operation and/or the variations in the variable advance rate mayaverage out to the nominal advance rate over the duration of theoperation.

One or more products 14 may be advanced over the transfer end 18 of theinfeed 12 and into a landing region 24 proximate to the transfer end 18.The landing region 24 may comprise one or more landing surfaces 34.

As noted above and shown in FIG. 10A, a first product 14 a and a secondproduct 14 b may be disposed on the infeed 12 in a line 60. The products14 a, 14 b may be advanced (e.g., conveyed) in the line 60. The firstproduct 14 a may be advanced over the transfer end 18 and land on thelanding surface 34 before the second product 14 b is advanced over thetransfer end 18. The second product 14 b may subsequently land on thesurface 34 proximate to the first product 14 a to form a primary layer330 comprising the first and second products 14 a, 14 b as shown in FIG.10B. The second product 14 b may be disposed a pitch distance, D_(a-b),from the first product 14 a. In an embodiment, the pitch distance,D_(a-b), is predetermined according to an algorithm as discussed aboveor otherwise predetermined.

In one nonlimiting example shown in FIG. 1, a telescopic infeed 20 isused and the transfer end 18 retracts as the products 14 a, 14 b areadvanced. In such nonlimiting example, the retraction of the transferend 18 may allow the first product 14 a to be disposed on the landingsurface 34 at a first position 62 and the second product 14 b to besubsequently disposed on the landing surface 34 at a second position 64.In another nonlimiting example shown in FIG. 2, the landing surface 34may comprise a shiftable landing surface 36 capable of moving such thatthe first product 14 a may land on the surface 36 at first position 62and the second product 14 b may land on the surface 36 at a secondposition 64.

The shiftable landing surface 36 may shift translationally, rotationallyor by another manner sufficient to permit products 14 a, 14 b to land atdifferent positions on the surface 36 and/or to permit stacking ofproducts (discussed more fully below). The entire surface 36 or aportion of the surface 36 may be shiftable. In one nonlimiting example,the shiftable landing surface 36 is a conveyor. In a further nonlimitingexample, the shiftable landing surface 36 is a telescopic infeed. Theshiftable landing surface 36 may move in a predetermined manner inaccordance with the movement profile. The shiftable landing surface 36may move in an indexing fashion.

Turning to FIGS. 11A and 11B, a landing surface 34 may be disposed at asecond elevation 28. The second elevation 28 may be lower than the firstelevation 26. In a nonlimiting example, the landing surface 34 may bemoved to different elevations. In such nonlimiting example, the landingsurface 34 may be disposed at the second elevation 28 when at least oneproduct 14 lands on the landing surface 34. In an alternativenonlimiting example, the landing surface 34 is disposed at the firstelevation 26 when a product 14 lands thereon (see FIG. 9). Additionalfeatures in FIGS. 11A and 11B are discussed in more detail in theReorientation Features section below.

Further, the landing surface 34 may comprise a securing mechanism 38 tohelp secure a product 14 to the landing surface 34 at a particularlocation and/or in a particular orientation. As illustrated in FIG. 12A(schematically depicting a top view of a landing surface), the securingmechanism 38 may comprise a pocket system wherein the surface 34comprises pockets 382 (e.g., carve outs, indentations, raised portionsor other features) that surround or partially surround the perimeter ofthe product 14. In another nonlimiting example shown in FIG. 12B, thesecuring mechanism 38 comprises a vacuum 384 that pulls the product 14towards the surface 34. In yet another nonlimiting example, the securingmechanism 38 comprises one or more gates 386 (e.g., plates or pillars)extending from the surface 34 that can be disposed such that a product14 may land between two gates 386 or two products 14 may land on eitherside of one gate 386. The gates 386 may be collapsible, retractable orcapable of laying substantially flat on the surface 34. In yet anothernonlimiting example, the securing mechanism can comprise a bar 388 (asillustrated in FIG. 12C) about which the center of a rolled product 48(e.g., the center of a paper towel roll) may surround. The bars 388 maybe collapsible, retractable or capable of laying substantially flat onthe surface 34. The securing mechanism 38 may comprise a combination ofany of the foregoing or any other mechanism suitable for securingproduct 14 to the surface 34 at a particular location and/or in aparticular orientation. In a further embodiment, a securing mechanism 38may be made to remain fixed in place while the landing surface 34 ismoved to a different elevation or otherwise moved, such that one or moreproducts 14 clear the securing mechanism 38 before being transferred orejected from the landing surface 34.

The landing surface 34 may also comprise one or more retention plates390 to retain a product 14 on the landing surface 34. In one nonlimitingexample, a retention plate 390 also serves as a securing mechanism 38(see FIG. 12B). Retention plates 390 may be disposed on one or moresides of the landing surface 34 or at other points along the landingsurface 34 to extent workable. Further, the retention plates 390 may bemade of a low friction material, to minimize any disruption to thetrajectory of a product 14 which may be caused by the retention plates390. The retention plates 390 may be retractable, removable or otherwisemoved as necessary, for example, to eject a product 14. In a furthernonlimiting example, a retention plate 390 may remain stationary whilethe landing surface 34 is moved to a different elevation or otherwiseshifted such that one or more products 14 clear the retention plate 390before being ejected or transferred from the landing surface 34.Additional features of 12B will be discussed below.

The apparatus 10 may further comprise a lift 40 in operativerelationship with the landing surface 34 as illustrated for example inFIGS. 13A-15E. The lift 40 may be used to change the elevation of aproduct 14 by changing the elevation of the landing surface 34, directlycontacting the product 14 or any other means suitable for changing theproduct's 14 elevation. In one nonlimiting example, the lift 40 is usedto the lower a product 14. As discussed in further detail in theStacking Features section, the lift 40 may be utilized to create a stack66 of products, wherein the stack 66 may comprise a secondary layerproduct 142 disposed on a primary layer product 140. Additional featuresshown in FIGS. 13A-15E will be discussed below.

In a further embodiment, the apparatus 10 comprises an ejector 42 toeject a product 14 from the landing surface 34 or from the landingregion 24. The ejector 42 may be disposed proximate to the landingsurface 34. The ejector 42 may comprise any shape suitable for ejectingone or more products 14 such as a plate-like structure or a structureconforming to the perimeter or a portion of the perimeter of the product14. The ejector 42 may be conterminous with or joined with one or moreportions of the apparatus 10. In one nonlimiting example, the ejector 42is joined with a deflector 68 (discussed below) as shown for example inFIG. 1. The ejector 42 and deflector 68 may be joined such that one sideof the dual component serves as the deflector 68 and another side servesas the ejector 42. The deflector 68/ejector 42 combination may providedifferent functions at different locations (i.e., deflecting whenpositioned proximate to the transfer end 18, then moving to an ejectingposition). In one nonlimiting example, the ejector 42 ejects a product14 from the landing surface 34 onto the lift 40 as depicted in FIGS.15A-15E. In a further nonlimiting example, the ejector 42 may be joinedwith or coterminous with an adjuster 76 (discussed below) and/or analignment pusher 82 (also discussed below). In some embodiments, theapparatus 10 may comprises more than one ejector 42.

Additional features and details regarding the operation and componentsof the apparatus 10 are discussed below.

Reorientation Features

As discussed above, a product 14 may be advanced in a first orientation30 and land in the landing region 24 in a second orientation 32 that isdifferent from the first orientation 30. The change in orientation maybe facilitated by the landing surface 34 being disposed at a secondelevation 28, which is lower than the first elevation 26 (the firstelevation 26 being where the transfer end 18 is disposed). In oneembodiment, the change in orientation may be facilitated by the relativeprocess rates (e.g., nominal advance rate, conveyance rate and/ornominal retract rate). In another nonlimiting example, the change inorientation may be facilitated by the shape of the transfer end 18and/or the angle of the transfer end operating plane 180 with respect tothe portion of the infeed 12 adjacent to the transfer end 18 (see, e.g.,FIG. 3C). In still another nonlimiting example, the change inorientation may be facilitated by the radius of curvature, R_(c), of thenose 19.

In a further embodiment, the change in orientation may be assisted bythe use of a deflector 68 in operative relationship with the transferend 18. In one nonlimiting example, the deflector 68 may be associatedwith the frame 44 as shown in FIG. 1. The deflector 68 may be attachedto the frame 44 with an arm 70. Alternatively, the deflector 68 may beassociated with another portion of the apparatus 10. In one nonlimitingexample, the deflector 68 is disposed proximate to the transfer end 18such that the deflector 68 may contact a product 14 being advanced overthe transfer end 18 to cause a shift in the product's 14 orientation.Generally, the deflector 68 interferes with the trajectory of theproduct 14 in a way to reorient the product 14. In a further nonlimitingexample, the deflector 68 is disposed proximate to the transfer end 18such that the deflector 68 may contact the leading end 52 of a product14 and deflect said leading end 52 towards the landing region 24 and/orin the direction of the desired landing orientation.

Returning to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the deflector 68 may be moveable suchthat it may be disposed proximate to the transfer end 18 in a deflectingposition 72 and away from the transfer end 18 in a retreating position74. In a further nonlimiting example, the deflecting position 72 maycomprise the deflector 68 engaging with the leading end 52 of a product14, and then the deflector 68 may move into its retreating position 72to avoid contact with the trailing end 54 of said product 14.

The deflector 68 may comprise any shape suitable for aiding in thechange of orientation, including but not limited a plate-like surface ora structure conforming to the shape of the product 14. In onenonlimiting example, the deflector 68 is disposed at an angle, α, offrom about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, or from about 30 degrees toabout 60 degrees, or about 45 degrees with respect to the transfer endoperating plane 180 as shown in FIG. 11B. The deflector 68 may bemultiple associated pieces or one unitary piece.

The deflector 68 may be disposed at any workable elevation and anyworkable distance from the transfer end 18. In one nonlimiting example,the deflector 68 is disposed higher than the first elevation 26 (wherethe transfer end 18 is disposed). The deflector may be disposed anelevation distance, H_(TE-D), of from about 30 mm to about 1000 mm, orfrom about 50 mm to about 500 mm, or from about 60 mm to about 100 mm,or about 84 mm above or below the transfer end 18 as measured from thelowest point on the deflector 68 to the highest point on the transferend 18. The elevation distance, H_(TE-D), may vary based on a product's14 height (i.e., how tall the product 14 is when disposed on the infeedsurface 17).

In another nonlimiting example, the deflector 68 is disposed a lateraldistance, D_(TE-D), from the transfer end 18 (where the lateraldistance, D_(TE-D), is the shortest distance between the deflector 68and the transfer end 18) of from about 50 mm to 500 mm, or from about100 mm to 400 mm, or from about 150 mm to about 350 mm, or about 255 mm,for each range reciting every 10 mm interval therebetween. The lateraldistance, D_(TE-D), can be any workable distance and may vary based on aproduct's 14 length in the machine direction on the infeed surface 17.When a telescopic infeed 20 is utilized, the deflector 68 may move in amanner that coordinates with the movement of the transfer end 18,including but not limited to moving in the machine direction and/or thereverse machine direction. In one nonlimiting example, the deflector 68moves in the same direction as the transfer end 18 extends and at thesame nominal extension rate and/or moves in the same direction as thetransfer end 18 retracts and at the same nominal retract rate.Alternatively, the deflector 68 may move at different rates (e.g.,slightly slower or faster than the transfer end 18 or in an indexingmanner) and/or in different directions than the transfer end 18 at oneor more periods during the operation. In a further nonlimiting example,the deflector 68 moves in a predetermined manner in accordance with themovement profile. In another nonlimiting example, the deflector 68 andtransfer end 18 maintain substantially the same lateral distance,D_(TE-D), during the reorientation operation.

The skilled person will recognize that the shape, elevation and/ordistance of the deflector 68 may be varied depending on the movementprofile, rates of the various components (e.g., advance rate, retractrate, extension rate, rate of conveyance), product dimensions, productweight, other properties of the deflector 68 (e.g., the shape, elevationand/or distance of the deflector 68 with respect to the transfer end 18,material from which the deflector 68 is made) and other variants thatcould affect the ease or difficulty of changing a product's 14orientation.

In one embodiment also shown for example in FIG. 11A, a change inorientation of one or more products 14 may be facilitated by an adjuster76 in operative relationship with the transfer end 18. While thedeflector 68 may be used to interfere with a product's trajectory toinitiate a shift in orientation, the adjuster 76 may be used to guide aproduct 14 as or after the shift in orientation has started. In onenonlimiting example, the adjuster 76 may additionally cause a subsequentor further shift in orientation. In another nonlimiting example, theadjuster 76 comprises a shape 78 that facilitates guiding a product 76into a particular orientation (e.g., the second orientation 32). Theshape 78 may comprise any form suitable for this purpose including butnot limited to a slide or a chute 80 as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. Insome embodiments, the adjuster 76 may be joined with and/or coterminouswith the alignment pusher 82 (discussed below).

In a further embodiment, the adjuster 76 guides the product 14 while orafter the product 14 has advanced beyond the transfer end 18 and ismoving under the force of gravity. In one nonlimiting example, where atelescopic infeed 20 is used, the adjuster 76 may move such that theadjuster's 76 movement correlates with the movement of the transfer end18. In one nonlimiting example, the adjuster 76 moves in the reversemachine direction and/or in the machine direction. In a furthernonlimiting example, the adjuster 76 moves at the same rates as thetransfer end 18. In another nonlimiting example, the adjuster 76 maymove in a predetermined manner according to the movement profile. Instill another nonlimiting example, the adjuster 76 moves in the machinedirection at a different rate than the transfer end extension rateand/or moves in the reverse machine direction at a different rate thanthe transfer end retract rate. The adjuster 76 may move in an indexingmanner. In one nonlimiting example, the adjuster 76 moves in an indexingmanner while the transfer end 18 retracts and a first product 14 a andsecond product 14 b are individually advanced over the transfer end 18.In such nonlimiting example, the adjuster 76 may pause or slow down asit guides the first product 14 a and then move relatively quickly to thenext position in order to guide the second product 14 b.

In a further embodiment, the adjuster 76 is used in conjunction with thedeflector 68. In one embodiment, the adjuster 76 may move in tandem withthe deflector 68. Alternatively, the adjuster 76 may move at differentrates than the deflector 68 to the extent the apparatus 10 works for itsintended purpose. In another embodiment, the deflector 68 and adjuster76 are separated by an operating distance, D_(D-AJ) (as measured fromthe closest two points on the deflector 68 and adjuster 76), which maybe maintained throughout the reorientation operation. In still a furtherembodiment, the adjuster 76 may be used without the deflector 68 or viceversa.

The adjuster 76 may be disposed proximate to the transfer end 18 at anyworkable elevation and distance with respect to the transfer end 18. Inone embodiment, the adjuster 76 is disposed below the first elevation 26(where the transfer end 18 is disposed) such that the adjuster 76contacts a falling product 14. In alternative embodiments, the adjuster76 may be disposed at the first elevation 26 or higher than the firstelevation 26 as measured from the highest point on the adjuster 76 tothe lowest point on the surface 17 at the transfer end 18.

The shape 78, elevation and/or distance of the adjuster 76 may be varieddepending on the movement profile, rates of the various components(e.g., advance rate, retract rate, extension rate, rate of conveyance),product dimensions, product weight, other properties of the adjuster 76(e.g., the shape 78, elevation and/or distance of the adjuster 76 withrespect to the transfer end 18, material from which the adjuster 76 ismade) and other variants that could affect the ease or difficulty ofguiding a product 14 and/or changing a product's 14 orientation. Theadjuster 76 may comprise multiple associated pieces or one unitarypiece. The adjuster 76 is primarily useful in ensuring a product 14 isrotated or otherwise adjusted to the correct trajectory (or within anacceptable range of rotation). That is, an over-rotated or under-rotatedproduct 14 will be guided by the adjuster 76 such that its trajectory iscorrected to permit said product 14 to land in the desired orientation.

Aligning Product or Layers

The apparatus 10 may comprise an alignment pusher 82 to align one ormore products 14, or a layer of products 33, disposed in the landingregion 24. The alignment pusher 82 may be disposed proximate to orwithin the landing region 24. The alignment pusher 82 may contact one ormore of the products 14. In a further embodiment, the alignment pusher82 may be moved to straighten or otherwise alter the orientation of aproduct 14 and/or moved to adjust the pitch distance, D_(a-b), betweentwo products 14 a, 14 b. In one nonlimiting example, the alignmentpusher 82 moves translationally to push products 14 a, 14 b closertogether.

The alignment pusher 82 may comprise any shape suitable for aligning oneor more products 14 in the landing region 24, including but not limiteda plate-like surface or a structure conforming to the shape of theproduct(s) 14. Further, the alignment pusher 82 may be disposed at anyworkable elevation and any workable distance from the transfer end 18.

The alignment pusher 82 may be coterminous with or joined to one or moreportions of the apparatus 10. In one nonlimiting example shown in FIG.11A, the alignment pusher 82 is conterminous with or joined to theadjuster 76 with, for example, a shape 78 that permits guiding theproduct 14 into a particular orientation and/or into the landing region24 and manner of movement that permits aligning the product 14. Inanother nonlimiting example shown in FIG. 12B, the alignment pusher 82may be coterminous with or joined to a retention plate 390, where forexample, the dual component is used to retain products 14 for a periodbefore moving to align said products 14. In still another nonlimitingexample illustrated in FIG. 15A, the alignment pusher 82 may becoterminous with or associated with the ejector 42. The dual alignmentpusher 82/ejector 42 may operate align a product 14 against a backingsurface (such as a retention plate 390) which subsequently retracts oris removed such that the component may eject the product 14 from thelanding surface 34. Alternatively, the alignment pusher 82/ejector 42may align the product 14 or layer 33 while ejecting said product 14 orlayer 33 from the landing surface 34. In an additional nonlimitingexample, the alignment pusher 82 may operate to align products 14disposed on the lift 40 (e.g., after said products 14 have been removedfrom the landing surface 34).

The movement of the alignment pusher 82 may coordinate with the advancerate, the extension rate, and/or retract rate (if applicable). In afurther nonlimiting example, the movement profile may includepredetermined rates, directions and/or distances for the movement of thealignment pusher 82.

The shape, elevation and/or distance of the alignment pusher 82 may bevaried depending on the movement profile, rates of the variouscomponents (e.g., advance rate, retract rate, extension rate, rate ofconveyance), product dimensions, product weight, other properties of thealignment pusher 82 (e.g., the shape, elevation and/or distance of thealignment pusher 82 with respect to the transfer end 18, material fromwhich the alignment pusher 82 is made) and other variants that couldaffect the ease or difficulty of aligning one or more products 14. Thealignment pusher 82 may comprise multiple associated pieces or oneunitary piece.

Stacking Features

Turning to FIGS. 13A-15E, in some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may beused to form a stack 66 of products. A primary layer product 140 and asecondary layer product 142 can be advanced. The primary layer product140 may be advanced beyond the transfer end 18 before the secondarylayer product 142 is advanced beyond the transfer end 18. The secondarylayer product 142 may subsequently be disposed on the primary layerproduct 140 to form a stack 66.

In one nonlimiting example, the secondary layer product 142 may land ona portion of the primary layer product 140 after advancing beyond thetransfer end 18.

In another nonlimiting example, the apparatus 10 comprises a lift 40operatively engaged with the landing surface 34. The lift 40 may becoterminous with or associated with the landing surface 34 such that thelift 40 may cause the landing surface 34 to move to differentelevations, such as a lower elevation. Alternatively, the lift 40 may bedisposed proximate to the landing surface 34 such that the lift 40 canreceive one or more products 14 or a layer 33 of products 14 from thelanding surface 34. The lift 40 may be elevationally moveable and/orotherwise capable of moving a primary layer product 140 to a differentelevation. In one nonlimiting example, the lift 40 lowers the primarylayer product 140.

FIGS. 13A-13D are schematic representations of an embodiment depictingthe MD movement of products 14, the MD extension and the RMD retractionof a transfer end of a telescopic infeed 20, and the lowering of one ormore products 14 using the lift 40. In such embodiment, a telescopicinfeed 20 is used and the transfer end 18 retracts as each product 140,142 is advanced over the transfer end 18. The primary layer product 140may land at a first position 62. The transfer end 18 may extend in themachine direction after the primary product 140 is advanced over thetransfer end 18, permitting the secondary layer product 142 to bepositioned such that the secondary layer product 140 may land on theprimary layer product 140. The lift 40 may be used to lower the landingsurface 34, and the secondary layer product 142 may advance over thetransfer end 18 and land on the primary layer product 140 to form astack 66.

FIGS. 14A-14C schematically represent another embodiment and depict theMD movement of products 14, the MD extension and the RMD retraction of atransfer end of a telescopic infeed 20, and the lowering of a primarylayer 330 of products using the lift 40. In such embodiment, a pluralityof primary layer products 140 may be advanced into the landing region 24to create a primary layer 330, and subsequently one or more secondarylayer products 142 may be advanced beyond the transfer end 18 such thatthe secondary layer product(s) land on the primary layer 330 to form astack 66. The stack 66 may comprise the primary layer 330 and asecondary layer 332.

In another embodiment, a shiftable landing surface 36 may be used whichshifts prior to the secondary layer product 142 being advanced over thetransfer end 18. The primary layer product may land in a first position62. The shiftable landing surface 36 may shift to permit the secondarylayer product 142 to be positioned such that said secondary layerproduct 142 may land on the primary layer product 140. In onenonlimiting example, the shiftable landing surface 36 reversesdirections in order to position the secondary layer product 142. Thelift 40 may be used to lower the landing surface 34, and the secondarylayer product 142 may advance over the transfer end 18 and land on theprimary layer product 140. In such embodiment, the transfer end 18 ofthe infeed 12 may remain substantially static during the stackingoperation.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A-15E, the primary layerproduct 140 or a primary layer 330 may be ejected from the landingsurface 34 before a secondary layer product 142 lands on the landingsurface 34. In this way, the next reorientation sequence may beginwithout waiting for changes in elevation related to stacking and/orejection of a layer 33. This would allow for a greater portion of cycletime for reorientation, increase reliability and/or allow for higherthroughput rates. By way of nonlimiting example, the transfer end 18 ofa telescopic infeed 20 could be returning to its originating position200 a while products 14 are being ejected onto the lift 40. A secondarylayer product 142 (or a secondary layer 332) may then be moved from thelanding surface 34 to be disposed on the primary layer product 140 (oron the primary layer 330) to form a stack 66. In such embodiment, theprimary layer product 140 may be lowered after or while being ejectedfrom the landing surface 34. A telescopic infeed 20 and/or a shiftablelanding surface 36 may be used to create a layer 33 on the landingsurface 34.

For brevity, the description herein discusses a single product 14 beingadvanced over the transfer 18 at one time. However, multiple products 14may be advanced over the transfer end 18 at the same time such that theproducts may comprise a row having multiple lanes of products. In otherwords, a layer 33 may comprise products 14 disposed both side-by-sideand front-to-back (e.g., 8 products disposed in 2 lanes and 4 rows).

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for reorienting and/or stackingcomprising: a frame; an infeed associated with the frame, wherein theinfeed has a receiving end and a transfer end, the transfer end beingdisposed at a first elevation, and wherein and one or more products areadvanced on the infeed in a machine direction; and a shiftable landingsurface to receive the one or more products, the shiftable landingsurface being disposed in a landing region proximate to the transfer endand at a second elevation and comprising a securing mechanism, whereinthe first elevation is higher than the second elevation, and wherein theshiftable landing surface is capable of shifting to receive a firstproduct at a first position and a second product at a second position.2. The apparatus of claim 1 further an adjuster in operativerelationship with the transfer end of the infeed, the adjustercomprising a shape that facilitates guiding the at least one of the oneor more products.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the infeedcomprises a conveyor, wherein the conveyor is capable of conveying theone or more products in the machine direction.
 4. The apparatus of claim1 further comprising a layer pusher operatively engageable with theinfeed such that the layer pusher is capable of advancing the one ormore products in the machine direction.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the securing mechanism comprises one of the group consisting ofa vacuum, a pocket system, a gate system, a bar system and combinationsthereof.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a liftoperatively engageable with the shiftable landing surface, wherein thelift is elevationally moveable.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thelift is operatively engageable with the shiftable landing surface suchthat the lift is capable of moving the shiftable landing surface todifferent elevations.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lift isoperatively engageable with the shiftable landing surface such that thelift is capable of receiving at least one of the one or more productsfrom the shiftable landing surface.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising an ejector operatively engageable with the shiftable landingsurface such that the ejector is capable of ejecting the one or moreproducts from the shiftable landing surface.
 10. The apparatus of claim1 further comprising a deflector operatively engaged with the transferend and being disposed at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 80degrees with respect to a transfer end operating plane, such that thedeflector is capable of deflecting a leading end of at least one of theone of more products.
 11. An apparatus for reorienting and/or stackingcomprising: a frame; an infeed associated with the frame, wherein theinfeed has a receiving end and a transfer end, the transfer end beingdisposed at a first elevation, and wherein and one or more products areadvanced on the infeed in a machine direction; and a shiftable landingsurface to receive the one or more products, the shiftable landingsurface being disposed in a landing region proximate to the transfer endand at a second elevation and comprising a securing mechanism, whereinthe first elevation is higher than the second elevation, and wherein theshiftable landing surface is capable of shifting to receive a firstproduct at a first position and a second product at a second position.12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising an adjuster inoperative relationship with the transfer end of the infeed, the adjustercomprising a shape that facilitates guiding the at least one of the oneor more products.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein theinfeed comprises a conveyor, wherein the conveyor is capable ofconveying the one or more products in the machine direction.
 14. Theapparatus according to claim 11 further comprising a layer pusheroperatively engageable with the infeed such that the layer pusher iscapable of advancing the one or more products in the machine direction.15. The apparatus according to any of claim 11 wherein the securingmechanism comprises one of the group consisting of a vacuum, a pocketsystem, a gate system, a bar system and combinations thereof.
 16. Theapparatus according to any of claim 11 further comprising a liftoperatively engageable with the shiftable landing surface, wherein thelift is elevationally moveable.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 11wherein the lift is operatively engageable with the shiftable landingsurface such that the lift is capable of moving the shiftable landingsurface to different elevations.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 11wherein the lift is operatively engageable with the shiftable landingsurface such that the lift is capable of receiving at least one of theone or more products from the shiftable landing surface.
 19. Theapparatus according to any of claim 11 further comprising an ejectoroperatively engageable with the shiftable landing surface such that theejector is capable of ejecting the one or more products from theshiftable landing surface.
 20. The apparatus according to any of claim11 further comprising a deflector operatively engaged with the transferend and being disposed at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 80degrees with respect to a transfer end operating plane, such that thedeflector is capable of deflecting a leading end of at least one of theone of more.